Published on: Oct 08, 2025 10:26 pm IST
Cristiano Ronaldo Joins the Billionaire Club
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status as per Bloomberg. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which monitors the financial standings of the world’s elite, has listed the 40-year-old Portuguese star, estimating his total wealth, derived from his career earnings, investments, and endorsements, at $1.4 billion (₹12,352 crore).
Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over $550 million (₹4,869.57 crore) in salaries while playing for top European clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His long-term Nike deal brought in approximately $18 million (₹159.25 crore) annually, while endorsements from brands such as Armani and Castrol increased his net worth by over $175 million (₹1,554 crore).
In 2023, Ronaldo joined the Saudi club Al-Nassr with a sensational move that included a $200 million (₹17,760 crore) annual tax-free salary along with a $30 million (₹2,664 crore) signing bonus. Although his contract was supposed to end in June 2025, Ronaldo extended it for another two years, potentially amassing more than $400 million (₹35,520 crore) by the end of the term, keeping him active until his 42nd birthday.
As a comparison, Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi had reportedly earned over $600 million (₹53,280 crore) in pre-tax salaries over his career, as per the report. Since 2023, Messi’s guaranteed annual income has been around $20 million (₹1,776 crore), roughly one-tenth of Ronaldo’s earnings during the same period. Messi might achieve financial parity with Ronaldo once he retires, as he is set to gain an ownership stake in Inter Miami.
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